US President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to build a 76-meter (250-foot) triumphal arch in Washington D.C., a project that would be over 50% taller than the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Trump hailed it as "the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World," and wrote in a social media post that it would be "a wonderful addition to the Washington D.C. area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come."

According to the official plans, the arch is set to feature a gilded figure reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty, flanked by two eagles and guarded by four lions, also gilded, with inscriptions of "One Nation Under God" and "Liberty and Justice for All" in gold letters. The exact cost remains unclear, though an Axios report in October cited White House insiders estimating it at $100 million (€85 million). Private funding may be used, similar to the controversial White House ballroom construction.

Trump previously stated that the arch would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence on July 4. When asked by a reporter who the monument was for, he pointed to himself, saying "me" and adding it would be "fantastic." The former real estate developer also argued that Washington D.C. is the only major capital without its own triumphal arch.

The plans are to be reviewed by the US Commission of Fine Arts, but Trump fired all members of the agency's board in October and replaced them with his political allies. Separately, the arch faces a legal challenge from three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian, who contend that congressional approval is required for such a monument.

Source: www.dw.com